Why Mike Tyson was biting his gloves during Jake Paul Netflix fight

Mike Tyson humorously admitted to having a "biting fixation" after frequently chewing on his boxing gloves during his comeback bout against Jake Paul.

In a night that witnessed Netflix streaming issues and spectators leaving before the main event concluded in Dallas, Tyson's first pro fight in nearly two decades culminated in a loss.

The 58-year-old former champion appeared outmatched by the 27 year old social media sensation, who walked away with a judges' scorecard reading 80-72 twice and 79-73. Post-battle, both fighters exchanged a cordial moment in the ring, after which presenter Ariel Helwani questioned an evidently impaired Tyson, hindered by his age and a knee injury, regarding his performance.

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Helwani inquired: "The broadcast team was debating what you were doing with your gloves, was it a mouthpiece issue or were you just biting on your glove? " Tyson responded, "I have a habit of biting my gloves when I fight," and added, "I have a biting fixation."

Despite having difficulty matching Paul's pace and landing significant punches, Tyson expressed contentment with his performance, emphasising: "I am happy." He elaborated: "I knew he was a good fighter. I knew he was prepared. I didn't prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I am just happy with what I can do."

Additionally, Tyson praised Paul as a "very good fighter", acknowledging his opponent's abilities, reports the Mirror.

Paul, reflecting on his victory in a Netflix interview, expressed his admiration for Mike Tyson: "Mike Tyson, it's such an honour. Let's give it up for Mike, the greatest to ever do it. We wouldn't be here without him today with him, this man is an icon. It's just an honour to be able to fight him. It was really tough fight. I expected it to be."

He continued: "He was exactly what I thought. One of the greatest to ever do it. An icon. I was trying to hurt him a little bit. I was scared he was going to hurt me. I did my best."

Unfortunately, Tyson's renowned power was largely absent, leading to fans leaving halfway through the match due to its lopsided nature.